Relative Clauses

The Smiths, who have a very large family, have a big house.

I saw the dog which I decided to buy in the pet shop.

I like James, who is very intelligent and agreeable.

London, which we visited, was on our way home.

Sandra, who had a long way to go, was travelling by bus.

John, who has plenty of spare time, reads a lot.

The University, which is one of the best in the country, has a large number of facilities.

Your shirt which I only washed yesterday is very dirty.

The cat, who normally eats a lot, wasn’t hungry.

Decide whether the following sentences are defining relative clauses or extra information clauses. Comment on why you have decided what type of clause they are.

1. The man who is a doctor is sitting over there. Defining Relative Clause

2. My father, who is a doctor, is very professional. Extra Information

3. Jane, who is never on time, arrived late for our appointment. Extra Information

4. The boy who isn’t very organised planned the party. Defining Relative Clause

5. The huge house at the end of our street, which is derelict, is quite spooky and interesting. Extra Information

6. His house, which is very luxurious, was once featured in a magazíne article. Extra Information

7. 
   The desk which you are working on is made of solid pine. Defining Relative Clause
   

8. Our dreams, which can tell us a lot about ourselves, usually only occur in REM sleep. Extra Information

9. 
   Australian kangaroos, who can move incredibly quickly, keep their babies in a pouch. Extra Information
   
10. 
    The kangaroos which we saw in the zoo were very beautiful animals. Defining Relative Clause
    

Use the information given to make sentences using extra information clauses. The first answer is given as an example.

1. Michael Jones, doctor, works nights.

Michael Jones, who is a doctor, works nights.

2. Our house, large garden, outside Prague.

Our house, which has a large garden, is situated outside Prague.

3. My mother, sitting in the corner, is a teacher.

My mother, who is sitting in the corner, is a teacher.

4. The Astronomical Clock, tourist attraction, very old.

The astromical clock, which is a tourist attraction, is very old.

5. Paris, capital of France, beautiful city.

Paris, which is the capital of France, is a beautiful city.

6. The pyramids, wonder of the world, mysterious.

The Pyramids, which are a wonder of the world, are very mysterious.

7. The book I have just read, interesting, written by Simon Disraeli.

The book I have just read, which was very interesting, was written by Simon Disraeli.

8. My best friend, I don’t see very often, always very busy.

My best friend, who I don’t see very often, is always very busy.

9. Coventry Cathedral, was very beautiful, bombed during the war.

Coventry Cathedral, which was very beautiful, was bombed during the war.

10. Cows, gentle animals, mainly eat grass.

Cows, who are gentle animals, mainly eat grass.